D.C. United take on Galaxy in first match under interim coach

Troy Lesesne paid the price for D.C. United's lackluster season and academy director Kevin Flanagan will serve as interim coach when the Black-and-Red face the Los Angeles Galaxy on Friday night in Carson, Calif.

Lesesne was fired Thursday, one day after D.C. United lost 5-2 to Nashville SC to be eliminated from the U.S. Open Cup. Reports suggest Rene Weiler, the sporting director for Swiss side Servette FC, is in line to take over the coaching duties.

"Results have not been acceptable," D.C. United chief soccer officer Ally Mackay told reporters on Friday. "For us, it's really taking inventory of what we're doing."

D.C. United (4-10-7, 19 points) are in 12th place in the East and trying to snap a five-season playoff drought. Lesesne was 14-24-17 in MLS play over 1 1/2 seasons.

D.C. United have been outscored 39-17 and are tied for last in the MLS with a minus-22 goal differential. CF Montreal have also allowed 22 more goals then they have scored.

Christian Benteke is rounding back into form after an ankle injury that led him to miss six MLS regular-season matches. He was the MLS leader with 23 goals last season. He has six in 14 matches this season.

D.C. United played a scoreless draw against Atlanta United in their last MLS match on July 5.

Los Angeles (2-13-6, 12 points) has recovered from the worst start in MLS history (0-12-4) to earn points in four of its past five matches (2-1-2). However, the Galaxy are still in last place in the 15-team Western Conference.

The Galaxy played perhaps their best match of the season with a 3-0 victory over the visiting Vancouver Whitecaps on July 4.

Joseph Paintsil scored twice after entering with just one goal. That was a pleasing sight for the Galaxy, as Paintsil had 10 goals and 10 assists last season when they were MLS champions.

"I think with anybody, whether it's a goal-scorer or shooter in basketball, with anybody, once you find your rhythm, and you get the confidence and you get that flow, you hope things start to drop for you," Galaxy coach Greg Vanney told reporters. "I feel like with Joe, I feel like (July 4) was a good night, and we'll see if we can start to build some momentum with him. It's a good thing for him for sure."

In the most recent meeting, D.C. United recorded a 3-0 home win over Los Angeles on May 20, 2023.

--Field Level Media